Ryobi RY30971 User manual

Brand: Ryobi

Model: RY30971

Category: Grass trimmers

Type: User manual

This manual is also suitable for

Your new trimmer or brushcutter has been engineered and manufactured to our high standard for dependability, ease of

operation, and operator safety. Properly cared for, it will give you years of rugged, trouble-free performance.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury, the user must read and understand the operator’s manual before

using this product.

SAVE THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

Thank you for your purchase.

OPERATOR’S MANUAL

30cc String Trimmers and Brushcutters

CS30

RY30530

RY30931

SS30

RY30550

RY30951

BC30

RY30570

RY30971

 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................................... 2

 General Safety Rules ....................................................................................................................................................... 3

 Specific Safety Rules ...................................................................................................................................................... 4

 Symbols .......................................................................................................................................................................5-6

 Features .......................................................................................................................................................................7-9

 Assembly ..................................................................................................................................................................10-15

 Operation ..................................................................................................................................................................16-20

 Maintenance .............................................................................................................................................................21-24

 Troubleshooting ........................................................................................................................................................25-26

 Warranty ...................................................................................................................................................................26-28

 Service Parts ....................................................................................................................................................Back Page

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

This product has many features for making its use more pleasant and enjoyable. Safety, performance, and dependability

have been given top priority in the design of this product making it easy to maintain and operate.

GENERAL SAFETY RULES

WARNING:

Read and understand all instructions. Failure to follow all

instructions listed below may result in electric shock, fire

and/or serious personal injury.

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS

 For safe operation, read and understand all instructions

before using this product. Follow all safety instructions.

Failure to follow all safety instructions listed below, can

result in serious personal injury.

 Do not allow children or untrained individuals to use this

unit.

 Never start or run the engine in a closed or poorly venti-

lated area; breathing exhaust fumes can kill.

 Clear the work area before each use. Remove all objects

such as rocks, broken glass, nails, wire, or string which

can be thrown or become entangled in the cutting line

or blade.

 Wear safety glasses or goggles that are marked to comply

with ANSI Z87.1 standard when operating this product.

 Wear heavy, long pants, boots, and gloves. Do not wear

loose fitting clothing, short pants, sandals, or go barefoot.

Do not wear jewelry of any kind.

 Heavy protective clothing may increase operator fatigue,

which could lead to heat stroke. During weather that is

hot and humid, heavy work should be scheduled for early

morning or late afternoon hours when temperatures are

cooler.

 Product users on United States Forest Service land, and in

some states, must comply with fire prevention regulations.

This product is equipped with a spark arrestor; however,

other user requirements may apply. Check with your

federal, state, or local authorities.

 Never operate this unit on the operator’s left side.

 Secure long hair above shoulder level to prevent

entanglement in moving parts.

 Keep all bystanders, children, and pets at least

50 ft. away. Bystanders should be encouraged to wear

eye protection. If you are approached, stop the engine

and cutting attachment. In the case of bladed units, there

is the added risk of injury to bystanders from being struck

with the moving blade in the event of a blade thrust or

other unexpected reaction of the saw.

 Do not operate this unit when you are tired, ill, or under

the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.

 Do not operate in poor lighting.

 Keep firm footing and balance. Do not overreach.

Overreaching can result in loss of balance or exposure

to hot surfaces.

 Keep all parts of your body away from any moving

part.

 To avoid hot surfaces, never operate the unit with the

bottom of the engine above waist level.

 Do not touch area around the muffler or cylinder of the

unit, these parts get hot from operation.

 Always stop the engine and remove the spark plug wire

before making any adjustments or repairs except for

carburetor adjustments.

 Inspect the unit before each use for loose fasteners, fuel

leaks, etc. Replace any damaged parts before use.

 The cutting attachment should never rotate at idle during

normal use. The cutting attachment may rotate at idle

during carburetor adjustments.

 It has been reported that vibrations from hand-held tools

may contribute to a condition called Raynaud’s Syndrome

in certain individuals. Symptoms may include tingling,

numbness, and blanching of the fingers, usually apparent

upon exposure to cold. Hereditary factors, exposure to

cold and dampness, diet, smoking, and work practices

are all thought to contribute to the development of these

symptoms. It is presently unknown what, if any, vibrations

or extent of exposure may contribute to the condition.

There are measures that can be taken by the operator to

possibly reduce the effects of vibration:

a) Keep your body warm in cold weather. When oper-

ating the unit wear gloves to keep hands and wrists

warm. It is reported that cold weather is a major factor

contributing to Raynaud’s Syndrome.

b) After each period of operation, exercise to increase

blood circulation.

c) Take frequent work breaks. Limit the amount of

exposure per day.

d) Keep the tool well maintained, fasteners tightened,

and worn parts replaced.

If you experience any of the symptoms of this condition,

immediately discontinue use and see your physician about

these symptoms.

 Mix and store fuel in a container approved for gasoline.

 Mix fuel outdoors where there are no sparks or flames.

Wipe up any fuel spillage. Move 30 ft. away from refueling

site before starting engine. Slowly remove the fuel cap

after stopping engine. Do not smoke when refueling.

 Stop the engine and allow to cool before refueling or

storing the unit.

 Allow the engine to cool; empty the fuel tank and secure

the unit from moving before transporting in a vehicle.

 Wear your protective equipment and observe all safety

instructions. For units equipped with a clutch, be sure

the cutting attachment stops turning when the engine

idles. When the unit is turned off make sure the cutting

attachment has stopped before the unit is set down.

SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES

SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES FOR TRIMMER

USE

 Inspect before use. Replace damaged parts. Make sure

fasteners are in place and secure. Check for fuel leaks.

 Replace string head if cracked, chipped, or damaged

in any way. Be sure the string head or blade is properly

installed and securely fastened. Failure to do so can cause

serious injury.

 Make sure all guards, straps, deflectors, and handles are

properly and securely attached.

 Use only the manufacturer’s replacement string in the

cutting head. Do not use any other cutting attachment.

To install any other brand of replacement string or cutting

head to this string trimmer can result in serious personal

injury. Never use, for example, wire or wire-rope, which

can break off and become a dangerous projectile.

 Never operate unit without the grass deflector in place

and in good condition.

 Maintain a firm grip on both handles while trimming. Keep

string head below waist level. Never cut with the string

head located over 30 in. or more above the ground.

SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES FOR BRUSH-

CUTTER AND BLADE USE

 After engine stops, keep rotating blade in thicker weeds

or pulpy stalks until it stops.

 Do not operate the brushcutter unless the brushcutter

guard is firmly secured in place and in good condition.

 Use heavy gloves when operating the brushcutter and

when installing or removing blades.

 Always stop the engine and remove the spark plug wire

before attempting to remove any obstruction caught or

jammed in the blade or before removing and installing

the blade.

 Do not attempt to touch or stop the blade when it is

rotating.

 A coasting blade can cause injury while it continues

to spin after the engine is stopped or throttle trigger

released. Maintain proper control until the blade has

completely stopped rotating.

 Replace any blade that has been damaged. Always make

sure blade is installed correctly and securely fastened

before each use. Failure to do so can cause serious

injury.

 Use only the manufacturer’s replacement Tri-Arc

blade

intended for use on this brushcutter. Do not use any other

blade. To install any other brand blade or cutting head to

this brushcutter can result in serious personal injury.

 The Tri-Arc

blade is suited for cutting thicker weeds or

pulpy stalks only. Do not use for any other purpose. Never

use the Tri-Arc

blade to cut woody brush.

 Exercise extreme caution when using the blade with this

unit. Blade thrust is the reaction that may occur when

the spinning blade contacts anything it cannot cut. This

contact may cause the blade to stop for an instant, and

suddenly “thrust” the unit away from the object that was

hit. This reaction can be violent enough to cause the op-

erator to lose control of the unit. Blade thrust can occur

without warning if the blade snags, stalls, or binds. This is

more likely to occur in areas where it is difficult to see the

material being cut. For cutting ease and safety, approach

the weeds being cut from the right to the left. In the event

an unexpected object or woody stock is encountered, this

could minimize the blade thrust reaction.

 Never cut any material over 1/2 in. diameter.

 Always wear the shoulder harness when using the brush-

cutter and adjust to a comfortable operating position.

Maintain a firm grip on both handles while cutting with a

blade. Keep the blade away from your body and below

waist level.

 Never use the brushcutter with the blade located 30 in.

or more above the ground level.

SYMBOLS

Some of the following symbols may be used on this product. Please study them and learn their meaning for safe

operation of this product.

SYMBOL NAME

EXPLANATION

Safety Alert Precautions that involve your safety.

Read the Operator’s Manual

To reduce the risk of injury, user must read and under-

stand operator’s manual before using this product.

Wear Eye and Hearing Protection

Wear eye protection which is marked to comply

with ANSI Z87.1 as well as hearing protection when

operating this equipment.

Keep Bystanders Away Keep all bystanders at least 50 ft. away.

Ricochet

Thrown objects can ricochet and result in personal injury

or property damage.

No Blade

Do not install or use any type of blade on a product dis-

playing this symbol.

Blade Thrust

Beware of blade thrust. Products authorized for blade use

will display this symbol to warn of blade thrust.

Gasoline and Lubricant

Use unleaded gasoline intended for motor vehicle use

with an octane rating of 87 [(R + M) / 2] or higher. This

product is powered by a 2-cycle engine and requires

pre-mixing gasoline and 2-cycle lubricant.

SYMBOLS

SERVICE

Servicing requires extreme care and knowledge and should

be performed only by a qualified service technician. For

service we suggest you return the product to your nearest

AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER for repair. When servic-

ing, use only identical replacement parts.

WARNING:

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING:

To avoid serious personal injury, do not attempt to use this

product until you read thoroughly and understand com-

pletely the operator’s manual. If you do not understand

the warnings and instructions in the operator’s manual,

do not use this product. Call Ryobi customer service for

assistance.

The operation of any power tool can result in foreign objects being thrown into your eyes, which can

result in severe eye damage. Before beginning power tool operation, always wear safety goggles or

safety glasses with side shields and, when needed, a full face shield. We recommend Wide Vision Safety

Mask for use over eyeglasses or standard safety glasses with side shields. Always use eye protection

which is marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1.

The following signal words and meanings are intended to explain the levels of risk associated with this product.

SYMBOL SIGNAL MEANING

DANGER:

Indicates an imminently hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, will result

in death or serious injury.

WARNING:

Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, could result

in death or serious injury.

CAUTION:

Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, may result in

minor or moderate injury.

CAUTION:

(Without Safety Alert Symbol) Indicates a situation that may result in property

damage.

FEATURES

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Weight - (without fuel)

CS30 ..................................................................................................................................................................11.7 lbs.

SS30 ..................................................................................................................................................................12.8 lbs.

BC30 ..................................................................................................................................................................13.2 lbs.

String cutting width

CS30 .......................................................................................................................................................................17 in.

SS30 and BC30 ......................................................................................................................................................18 in.

Blade cutting width

BC30 .........................................................................................................................................................................8 in.

Engine displacement .................................................................................................................................................30cc

String diameter

Reel Easy String Head ..........................................................................................................................................095 in.

Pro Cut II String Head .................................................................................................................095 in. to .105 in. max.

Fig. 1a

THROTTLE

TRIGGER

STARTER

GRIP AND

ROPE

FRONT

HANDLE

COUPLER

DRIVE SHAFT

HOUSING

REEL EASY

STRING HEAD

CURVED SHAFT

GRASS DEFLECTOR

PRIMER

BULB

KNOB

CS30

REAR

HANDLE

TRIGGER

LOCK

FUEL

CAP

ON/OFF

SWITCH

STRAP

HANGER

FEATURES

Fig. 1b

Fig. 1c

THROTTLE

TRIGGER

FRONT

HANDLE

COUPLER

DRIVE SHAFT

HOUSING

REEL EASY

STRING

HEAD

STRAIGHT SHAFT

GRASS DEFLECTOR

THROTTLE

TRIGGER

“J” HANDLE

COUPLER

DRIVE SHAFT

HOUSING

BLADE

BRUSHCUTTER

GUARD

SHOULDER

HARNESS

KNOB

BC30

SS30

REAR

HANDLE

REAR

HANDLE

STARTER GRIP

AND ROPE

STARTER GRIP

AND ROPE

PRIMER

BULB

PRIMER

BULB

TRIGGER

LOCK

TRIGGER

LOCK

FUEL CAP

ON/OFF

SWITCH

STRAP

HANGER

FUEL CAP

ON/OFF

SWITCH

FEATURES

KNOW YOUR STRING TRIMMER

See Figures 1a - 1d.

The safe use of this product requires an understanding of

the information on the tool and in this operator’s manual as

well as a knowledge of the project you are attempting. Before

use of this product, familiarize yourself with all operating

features and safety rules.

ERGONOMIC DESIGN

The design of the trimmer provides for easy handling. It is

designed for comfort and ease of grasp when operating in

different positions and at different angles.

GRASS DEFLECTOR

The trimmer includes a grass deflector that helps protect

you from flying debris.

TOP-MOUNTED MOTOR

The top-mounted motor improves balance and is located

away from the dust and debris of the cutting area.

Fig. 1d

REEL EASY STRING HEAD PRO CUT II STRING HEAD

ASSEMBLY

UNPACKING

This product requires assembly.

 Carefully remove the tool and any accessories from the

box. Make sure that all items listed in the packing list are

included.

 Inspect the tool carefully to make sure no breakage or

damage occurred during shipping.

 Do not discard the packing material until you have care-

fully inspected and satisfactorily operated the tool.

 If any parts are damaged or missing, please call

1-800-860-4050 for assistance.

PACKING LIST

CS30

Trimmer Assembly

Pro Cut II String Head

Spool Retainer

Front Handle

Curved Shaft Grass Deflector

Bottle of 2-Cycle Lubricant

Hanger Cap

Operator’s Manual

SS30

Trimmer Assembly

Pro Cut II String Head

Spool Retainer

Front Handle

Straight Shaft Grass Deflector

Bottle of 2-Cycle Lubricant

Hanger Cap

Operator’s Manual

BC30

Brushcutter Assembly

“J” Handle

Straight Shaft Grass Deflector

Shoulder Harness

Gear Head Locking Tool

Pro Cut II String Head

Spool Retainer

Arbor

Reel Easy String Head Assembly and Bolt

Bottle of 2-Cycle Lubricant

Hanger Cap

Operator’s Manual

WARNING:

If any parts are damaged or missing do not operate this

product until the parts are replaced. Failure to heed this

warning could result in serious personal injury.

WARNING:

Do not attempt to modify this product or create acces-

sories not recommended for use with this product. Any

such alteration or modification is misuse and could result

in a hazardous condition leading to possible serious

personal injury.

WARNING:

To prevent accidental starting that could cause serious

personal injury, always disconnect the engine spark plug

wire from the spark plug when assembling parts.

INSTALLING THE POWER HEAD TO THE

ATTACHMENT

See Figure 2.

WARNING:

Never install, remove, or adjust any attachment while

power head is running. Failure to stop the engine can

cause serious personal injury.

The attachment connects to the power head by means of

a coupler device.

 Loosen the knob on the coupler of the power head shaft

and remove the end cap from the attachment.

 Push in the button located on the attachment shaft. Align

the button with the guide recess on the power head coupler

and slide the two shafts together. Rotate the attachment

shaft until the button locks into the positioning hole.

NOTE: If the button does not release completely in the

positioning hole, the shafts are not locked into place.

Slightly rotate from side to side until the button is locked

into place.

 Tighten the knob securely.

WARNING:

Be certain the knob is fully tightened before operating

equipment; check it periodically for tightness during use

to avoid serious personal injury.

REMOVING THE ATTACHMENT FROM THE

POWER HEAD

For removing or changing the attachment:

 Loosen the knob.

 Push in the button and twist the shafts to remove and

separate ends.

ATTACHING THE STORAGE HANGER

See Figure 3.

There are two ways to hang your attachment for storage.

To use the hanger cap, push in the button and place the

hanger cap over end of the lower end attachment shaft.

Slightly rotate the cap from side to side until the button

locks into place.

 The secondary hole in the attachment shaft can be used

for hanging purposes as well.

ASSEMBLY

Fig. 2

COUPLER

KNOB

TRIMMER ATTACHMENT

POWER HEAD

SHAFT

POSITIONING

HOLE

GUIDE

RECESS

Fig. 3

BUTTON

HOLE

HANGER

CAP

SECONDARY

HOLE

BUTTON

ATTACHING THE FRONT HANDLE - CS30 AND

SS30

See Figure 4.

 Remove wing nut, washer, and bolt from the front

handle.

 Install the front handle onto the top side of the drive shaft

housing in the area indicated by the label.

NOTE: The open side of the handle should face the

operator.

 Place the bolt through the front handle.

NOTE: The hex bolt head fits inside the hex recess molded

into one side of the handle.

 Reinstall the washer and wing nut.

 Tighten wing nut securely.

ATTACHING THE “J” HANDLE - BC30

See Figure 5.

A “J” handle must be used for ensuring the best control and

maximizing operator safety when using a brushcutter.

 Hold the top and bottom clamp snugly in position on

the shaft housing so that handle will be located to the

operator’s left.

 Insert the end of the handle between the clamps.

 Align the bolt holes and push the long bolt (1/4-20 x

1-1/2 in.) through the handle side.

 Place short bolt (1/4-20 x 1 in.) through opposite side of

clamp. Install flat washers, lock washers, and hex nuts

to hold the assembly in place.

 After assembly is complete, adjust the position of the

handle to the area indicated by the label on the drive

shaft housing.

 Tighten first the long bolt and then the short bolt.

ASSEMBLY

WING

NUT

FRONT HANDLE

BOLT

Fig. 4

Fig. 5

CLAMP

FLAT WASHER

LOCK WASHER

HEX NUT

STRAP

HANGER

BOLT

1/4-20 x 1-1/2 in.

CLAMP

FRONT

HANDLE

BOLT

1/4-20 x 1 in.

WASHER

ATTACHING THE GRASS DEFLECTOR

WARNING:

The line cutting blade on the grass deflector is sharp.

Avoid contact with the blade. Failure to avoid contact

can result in serious personal injury.

TO ATTACH THE CURVED SHAFT GRASS

DEFLECTOR - CS30

See Figure 6.

 Remove hex screw, flat washer, and wing nut from grass

deflector.

 Press the grass deflector onto the bottom of the curved

shaft as shown.

 Insert the hex screw through the grass deflector and the

bracket on the curved shaft.

 Place the flat washer on the hex screw.

 Place the wing nut on the hex screw and tighten

securely.

TO ATTACH THE STRAIGHT SHAFT GRASS

DEFLECTOR - SS30

See Figure 7.

 Remove the wing screw from the grass deflector.

 Insert the tab on the mounting bracket in the slot on the

grass deflector.

 Align the screw hole in the mounting bracket with the

screw hole in the grass deflector.

 Insert the wing screw through the mounting bracket and

into the grass deflector.

 Tighten the screw securely.

ATTACHING THE BRUSHCUTTER GUARD -

BC30

See Figure 8.

The guard is shipped installed on these brushcutter

models. Instructions have been included for reference when

changing from string trimmer operation back to brushcutter

operation.

 With the string head removed, place the brushcutter guard

on the gear head as shown.

 Install the three hex head screws from bottom through

the guard and into the gear head.

 Tighten the screws securely and torque to 40-50 in.lb.

minimum.

ASSEMBLY

GRASS

DEFLECTOR

BRACKET

HEX

SCREW

WING NUT

FLAT

WASHER

Fig. 7

Fig. 8

WING

SCREW

STRAIGHT

SHAFT GRASS

DEFLECTOR

TAB

SLOT

GEAR

HEAD

HEX HEAD

SCREW

BRUSHCUTTER GUARD

Fig. 6

ATTACHING THE SHOULDER HARNESS -

BC30

See Figure 9.

 Connect the latch on the shoulder harness to the strap

hanger.

 Adjust the strap to a comfortable position.

CONVERTING FROM BRUSHCUTTER TO

STRING TRIMMER - BC30

To convert from the brushcutter to the string trimmer, remove

the blade and brushcutter guard, attach the straight shaft

grass deflector and install the string head.

REMOVING THE TRI-ARC

BLADE AND

BRUSHCUTTER GUARD

See Figures 10 - 11.

 Align the slot in the flanged washer with the slot in the

gear head.

 Place the gear head locking tool through the slot in the

flanged washer and gear head.

 Remove the blade nut by turning it clockwise.

 Remove the cupped washer and the blade.

 Remove the flanged washer from the gear head shaft and

retain it for the string head installation.

 Remove the three screws securing the brushcutter guard

to gear head.

 Remove the brushcutter guard.

NOTE: Store the brushcutter parts together for later use.

INSTALLING THE STRAIGHT SHAFT GRASS

DEFLECTOR AND STRING HEAD

See Figures 10 - 12.

 Install the grass deflector. Refer to To Attach the Straight

Shaft Grass Deflector earlier in this manual.

 Place the flanged washer on the gear head shaft.

NOTE: The hollow side of the flanged washer should face

the gear head.

 Install the arbor.

 Install the string head assembly onto the gear head shaft.

Refer to Installing Reel Easy String Head or Installing

Pro Cut II String Head later in this manual.

CONVERTING FROM STRING TRIMMER TO

BRUSHCUTTER - BC30

To convert from the string trimmer to the brushcutter, remove

the string head assembly and straight shaft grass deflector,

attach the brushcutter guard and install the blade.

SHOULDER

HARNESS

LATCH

STRAP

HANGER

Fig. 9

ASSEMBLY

Fig. 10

Fig. 11

Fig. 12

GEAR HEAD

LOCKING TOOL

STRING HEAD

GEAR HEAD

FLANGED WASHER

BLADE NUT

CUPPED

WASHER

SLOT

GEAR HEAD

FLANGED

WASHER

BRUSHCUTTER

GUARD

SLOT

ARBOR

BOLT

ASSEMBLY

REMOVING THE STRAIGHT SHAFT GRASS

DEFLECTOR AND STRING HEAD

See Figures 10 - 13.

 Align the slot in the flanged washer with the slot in the

gear head.

 Remove the hex head bolt and string head assembly.

 Remove the arbor.

 Remove the flanged washer and retain it for the blade

installation.

 Remove the wing screw securing the grass deflector.

 Remove the grass deflector.

NOTE: Store the string head parts together for later

use.

INSTALLING THE TRI-ARC

BLADE AND

BRUSHCUTTER GUARD

See Figures 10 - 14.

 Install the brushcutter guard. Refer to Attaching the

Brushcutter Guard earlier in this manual.

 Place the flanged washer over the gear head shaft with

the hollow side toward the brushcutter guard.

 Center the blade on the flanged washer, making sure the

blade fits flat and the raised hub of the flanged washer

goes through the hole in the blade.

 Install the cupped washer with the raised center away

from the blade.

 Place the blade nut onto the gear head shaft.

 Place the gear head locking tool through the slot in the

flanged washer and gear head.

 Install the blade nut by turning it counterclockwise (left

handed threads).

 Tighten the blade nut securely and torque to 120 in.lb.

minimum.

Fig. 14

BLADE NUT

CUPPED

WASHER

SLOT

GEAR HEAD

FLANGED

WASHER

BRUSHCUTTER

GUARD

STRING HEAD

GEAR HEAD

ARBOR

SLOT

WARNING:

Do not allow familiarity with this product to make you

careless. Remember that a careless fraction of a second is

sufficient to inflict serious injury.

WARNING:

Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side

shields when operating power tools. Failure to do so

could result in objects being thrown into your eyes result-

ing in possible serious injury.

OPERATION

WARNING:

Do not use any attachments or accessories not recom-

mended by the manufacturer of this product. The use of

attachments or accessories not recommended can result

in serious personal injury.

SLOT

Fig. 13

FLANGED WASHER

BOLT

FUELING AND REFUELING THE TRIMMER

FUEL MIXTURE

This product is powered by a 2-cycle engine and requires

pre-mixing gasoline and 2-cycle lubricant. Pre-mix unleaded

gasoline and 2-cycle engine lubricant in a clean 1 gallon

container approved for gasoline.

Recommended fuel: This engine is certified to operate on

unleaded gasoline intended for automotive use.

Mix a high quality 2-cycle engine lubricant at 2.6 oz. per

gallon (US).

Do not use automotive lubricant or 2-cycle outboard

lubricant.

DO NOT mix quantities larger than usable in a 30 day

period.

HIGH qUALITY 2-CYCLE ENGINE LUBRICANT

GASOLINE LUBRICANT

1 gallon (US) 2.6 oz.

1 liter 20 cc (20 ml)

FILLING TANK

 Clean surface around fuel cap to prevent

contamination.

 Loosen fuel cap slowly. Rest the cap on a clean

surface.

 Carefully pour fuel into the tank. Avoid spillage.

 Prior to replacing the fuel cap, clean and inspect the

gasket.

 Immediately replace fuel cap and hand tighten. Wipe up

any fuel spillage.

NOTE: It is normal for smoke to be emitted from a new

engine after first use.

WARNING:

Always shut off engine before fueling. Never add fuel to

a machine with a running or hot engine. Move at least

30 ft. from refueling site before starting engine. Do not

smoke! Failure to heed this warning could result in seri-

ous personal injury.

OPERATION

OXYGENATED FUELS

Some conventional gasolines are blended with alcohol or an

ether compound. These gasolines are collectively referred

to as oxygenated fuels. To meet clean air standards, some

areas of the United States and Canada use oxygenated fuels

to help reduce emissions.

If using an oxygenated fuel, make sure it is unleaded and

meets the minimum octane rating requirements. Before using

an oxygenated fuel, try to confirm the fuel’s contents. Some

states/provinces require this information to be posted on the

pump. The following are the EPA approved percentages of

oxygenates:

Ethanol (ethyl or grain alcohol) 10% by volume. You

may use gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol by volume.

Gasoline containing ethanol may be marketed under the

name “Gasohol.” Do not use E85 fuel.

MTBE (methyl tertiary butyl ether) 15% by volume. You

may use gasoline containing up to 15% MTBE by volume.

Methanol (methyl or wood alcohol) 5% by volume. You

may use gasoline containing up to 5% methanol by volume

as long as it also contains cosolvents and corrosion inhibi-

tors to protect the fuel system. Gasoline containing more

than 5% methanol by volume may cause starting and/or

performance problems. It may also damage metal, rubber,

and plastic parts of the product or your fuel system.

If you notice any undesirable operating symptoms, try anoth-

er service station or switch to another brand of gasoline.

NOTE: Fuel system damage or performance problems re-

sulting from the use of an oxygenated fuel containing more

than the percentages of oxygenates stated previously are

not covered under warranty.

Fig. 15

PROPER

OPERATING

POSITION

OPERATION

OPERATING THE TRIMMER

See Figure 15.

WARNING:

Always position the unit on the operator’s right side. The

use of the unit on the operator’s left side will expose

the user to hot surfaces and can result in possible burn

injury.

WARNING:

To avoid burns from hot surfaces, never operate unit with

the bottom of the engine above waist level.

Hold the trimmer with your right hand on the rear handle

and your left hand on the front handle. Keep a firm grip with

both hands while in operation. Trimmer should be held at a

comfortable position with the rear handle about hip height.

Always operate trimmer at full throttle. Cut tall grass from

the top down. This will prevent grass from wrapping around

the shaft housing and string head which could cause

damage from overheating. If grass becomes wrapped around

the string head, STOP THE ENGINE, disconnect the spark

plug wire, and remove the grass. Prolonged cutting at partial

throttle will result in lubricant dripping from the muffler.

WARNING:

Always hold the string trimmer away from the body keep-

ing clearance between the body and the product. Any

contact with the housing or string trimmer cutting head can

result in burns and/or other serious personal injury.

TO ADVANCE THE CUTTING LINE (REEL EASY

STRING HEAD)

String advance is controlled by tapping the string head on

grass while running engine at full throttle.

 Run engine at full throttle.

 Tap the knob on ground to advance string. The string

advances each time the knob is tapped. Do not hold the

knob on the ground.

NOTE: The line trimming cut-off blade on the grass deflector

will cut the line to the correct length.

NOTE: If the string is worn too short you may not be able to

advance the string by tapping it on the ground. If so, stop

the engine, and manually advance the string.

To advance the cutting line manually:

Stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire.

 Push the knob in while pulling on string(s) to manually

advance the string.

CUTTING TIPS

See Figures 16 -17.

 Avoid hot surfaces by always keeping the tool away from

your body. (Proper operating position shown in figure 15.)

 Keep the trimmer tilted toward the area being cut; this is

the best cutting area.

 The curved shaft trimmer cuts when passing the unit from

right to left. The straight shaft trimmer cuts when passing

the unit from left to right. This will avoid throwing debris at

the operator. Avoid cutting in the dangerous area shown

in illustration.

 Use the tip of string to do the cutting; do not force string

head into uncut grass.

 Wire and picket fences cause extra string wear, even

breakage. Stone and brick walls, curbs, and wood may

wear string rapidly.

 Avoid trees and shrubs. Tree bark, wood moldings, siding,

and fence posts can easily be damaged by the string.

GRASS DEFLECTOR LINE TRIMMING CUT-OFF

BLADE

See Figure 18.

The trimmer is equipped with a line trimming cut-off blade

on the grass deflector. For best cutting, advance string until

it is trimmed to length by the cut-off blade. Advance the

BEST CUTTING

AREA

DANGEROUS

CUTTING AREA

Fig. 17

DIRECTION OF

ROTATION

DANGEROUS

CUTTING AREA

Fig. 16

BEST CUTTING

AREA

Fig. 18

STRAIGHT SHAFT

TRIMMER LINE TRIMMING

CUT-OFF BLADE

CURVED SHAFT TRIMMER

LINE TRIMMING CUT-OFF

BLADE

DIRECTION OF

ROTATION

STRAIGHT SHAFT TRIMMER

CURVED SHAFT TRIMMER

OPERATION

string whenever you hear the engine running faster than

normal, or when trimming efficiency diminishes. This will

maintain best performance and keep the string long enough

to advance properly.

 Inspect and clear the area of any hidden objects such as

glass, rocks, concrete, fencing, wire, wood, metal, etc.

 Never use blades near sidewalks, fencing, posts, build-

ings or other immovable objects.

 Never use a blade after hitting a hard object without first

inspecting it for damage. Do not use if any damage is

detected.

 The unit is used as a scythe, cutting from the right to the

left in a broad sweeping action from side to side.

 Use only the Tri-Arc

blade. To install any other brand

blade or cutting head to this brushcutter can result in

serious personal injury.

OPERATING THE BRUSHCUTTER

See Figures 19 - 20.

Hold the brushcutter with your right hand on the rear handle

and the your hand on the “J” handle. Keep a firm grip with

both hands while in operation. Brushcutter should be held at

a comfortable position with the rear handle about hip height.

Maintain your grip and balance on both feet. Position yourself

so that you will not be drawn off balance by the kickback

reaction of the cutting blade.

Adjust the shoulder harness to position the brushcutter

at a comfortable operating position and to assure that the

shoulder harness will reduce the risk of operator contact

with the blade.

BLADE THRUST

Exercise extreme caution when using the blade with this

unit. Blade thrust is the reaction that may occur when the

spinning blade contacts anything it cannot cut. This contact

may cause the blade to stop for an instant, and suddenly

“thrust” the unit away from the object that was hit. This re-

action can be violent enough to cause the operator to lose

control of the unit. Blade thrust can occur without warning

if the blade snags, stalls, or binds. This is more likely to oc-

cur in areas where it is difficult to see the material being cut.

For cutting ease and safety, approach the weeds being cut

with the brushcutter from the right to the left. In the event

an unexpected object or woody stock is encountered, this

practice could minimize the blade thrust reaction.

WARNING:

To avoid burns from hot surfaces, never operate unit with

the bottom of the engine above waist level.

TRI-ARC

BLADE

The Tri-Arc

blade is suited only for thicker weeds and pulpy

stalks. When the blade becomes dull, it can be turned over

to extend the life of the blade. Do not sharpen the Tri-Arc

blade.

CUTTING TECHNIqUE - BLADE

WARNING:

Extreme care must be taken when using blades to en-

sure safe operation. Read the safety information for safe

operation using the blade, refer to Specific Safety Rules

for Brushcutter and Blade Use earlier in this manual.

 Always hold brushcutter on your right side with both hands

when operating. Use a firm grip on both handles.

 Maintain your grip and balance on both feet. Position

yourself so that you will not be drawn off balance by the

kickback reaction of the cutting blade.

OPERATION

Fig. 19

DIRECTION OF ROTATION

CUTTING AREA

Fig. 20

PROPER

OPERATING

POSITION

OPERATION

STARTING AND STOPPING

See Figures 21 - 23.

To start a cold engine:

DO NOT squeeze the throttle trigger until the engine starts

and runs.

Lay the trimmer on a flat, bare surface.

PRIME - Press the primer bulb 7 times.

SET the start lever to the START position.

PULL the rope until the engine starts.

Wait 6-10 seconds, then squeeze the trigger to run.

NOTE: Squeezing and releasing the throttle trigger releases

the start lever to the RUN position.

To start a warm engine:

PULL the rope until the engine starts.

To stop the engine:

Press and hold the switch in the stop “ ” position until

the engine stops.

Fig. 22

Fig. 21

THROTTLE

TRIGGER

IGNITION

SWITCH

THROTTLE

TRIGGER

IGNITION

SWITCH

Fig. 23

PRIMER BULB

TRIGGER

LOCK

START

POSITION

START

LEVER

START

LEVER

RUN

POSITION

TRIGGER

LOCK

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Ryobi RY30971 User manual

Brand: Ryobi

Model: RY30971

Category: Grass trimmers

Type: User manual

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